How hard?

I remember our old Dad saying to us boys -"If you're going to hit someone, then do it properly - otherwise they'll get up and hit you back."
I'm reminded of this when I listen to the wittering and speculations on the TV when they discuss what sort of force the police should use on rioters and arsonists. If they are going to go in and stop it, then do it properly. And just ignore the pacifists. It's not their house and shops that are being looted and burned.